Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard is a hidden unknown gem in Livermore Valley, California.
Producing some of the best wine grapes and wines in California. And although most true wine loving aficionados and California wine country enthusiast ‘think’ they really know “Wine Country” well, I would bet most would be hard pressed to tell you much about Livermore Valley, or Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard.
Well (pardon the pun) Let’s Change This Travesty!
Murrieta’s Well Estate Winery is in Alameda County, and is one of the oldest original wine estates in California, having 1st began growing grapes in the late 1800’s. Started by Louis Mel in 1884, he and his wife built a Gravity Flow Winery and planted grapevines. But not just any grapevines…
The vineyard has very prestigious pedigree having started from cuttings from the famed Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux vineyards in Bordeaux France!
Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard continues today to produce the highest quality fruit, and the some of the original vines from Bordeaux still grow on the estate today! In 1933 Louis Mel sold the property to his friend Ernest Wente, where it is still to this day part of the Wente Family Estate.
In 1990 Philip Wente & Sergio Traverso together began reviving the original winery. They named the winery Murrieta’s Well paying homage to the rich history of the property.
Fast forward to today and you find the UC Davis trained Winemaker Robbie Meyer. He is dedicated to spending as much time and effort as needed growing fruit in the vineyard, caring for it in the winery, and crafting into amazing wines. Robbie believes the wines are primarily made in the vineyard. Then after harvest; patiently and artistically blending the wines until they are exceptionally pleasing and intriguing at the same time.
“You have to be attentive to all that happens around you in the vineyard and winery. Be flexible, draw on your experiences, trust your instincts and have faith in your palate.”
Robbie Meyer, Head Winemaker
The wonderful Snooth Media sent several samples to me a few weeks back, and we did a Virtual Tasting with Snooth, many of the Wine Bloggers across the US, and Winemaker Robbie Meyer. Here are my thoughts and tasting notes on the wines:
2017 Small Lot Sauvignon Blanc
Not your average Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel fermented and Lees aged give it a med body. Complex & layered with Ruby Red Grapefruit, Apricot, Minerals, and Floral. Great acidity and body make this a special bottle. Retail $35 / 14.2 Alc.
2017 The Whip
Blend of 33% Sauv Blanc, 24% Semillion, 21% Chardonnay, 12% Orange Muscat, 10% Viognier. Aromatics from the Orange Muscat & Viognier. White Peach & Apricot plus richness and body are byproducts of the Chardonnay & Semillion. White Peach, Apricot, and floral dominate the nose and the palate. While great with food, I think a beautiful summer sipper on the patio is what comes to mind! Retail $26 / 13.5% Alc.
2017 Dry Rosé
42% Grenache, 39% Counoise, 19% Mouvedre. This is an opulent wine! Not your light weight quaffable Provence wine, this is a unabashed lavish rosé. Salmon in color. Strawberry, Watermelon, Minerals, great acidity and LONG finish! Beautiful dry wine. Retail $30 / 13.5% Alc.
2015 The Spur
Blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Sirah, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc. Each varietal is fermented and produced individually, then blended with care and patience. This is a powerful red wine, dark & mysterious in the glass. Blueberry, Blackberry, Cherry, Vanilla, and a hint of tobacco and spices on the palate and nose. Full body and smooth integrated tannins. This wine begs for a big juicy Rib Eye! Retail $35 (a steal) / 14.5% Alc
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black fruits, Dark Chocolate, Black Cherry, Olive, Vannila, and fresh cut wood on the nose. Full body, medium tannins, balanced and refined. This is a big wine that is drinking great now, but I would love to lay down for about 15 years to see it’s brilliance evolve. Very small production at 27 barrels total! 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cab Franc, and the blending is amazing. Think a more fruit forward version of Left Bank Bordeaux that can be enjoyed now! Retail $58 (are you kidding? Napa would charge $150+) / 14.2% Alc
Admittedly these were samples sent to me to review. But any of you that really know me understand if the wines are not up to par they will never be featured on these pages.
I have been a big fan of the wines from Murrietta’s Well Estate Vineyard for several years. The quality overall that is being produced in SMALL LOTS in Livermore Valley are amazing. These wines are all very limited production and great values.
You can order wines and get more information about the entire portfolio of Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard by clicking HERE.
Thank you Murrietta’s Well Estate Vineyards and Snooth Media for the opportunity to enjoy and share these wines with my followers. Leave a comment below so I will know you were here, and share your thoughts of these wines and my article please!
Terry Hill is the TEXAS WINEAUX!